Nonsense posted on social media? You don’t say! No doubt. A few additional points to ponder. One, anyone paying attention has been hearing for years about an apparent funding shortfall under current trends, estimated now +/-20% in about six years. So early filers, perhaps many without adequate personal savings to delay, could be argued are showing rational human behavior given the situation. Two, whilst the number of benefit filings may be up in recent years, perhaps some or much of this may be attributed to natural and expected demographics as the baby boomer wave continues to age into their 60s?
The better question might be, Why don't more people use credit cards and pay off balances each month? Lots of reasons here but with some discipline it’s doable, and some nice financial perks any Humble Dollar reader would appreciate. We’ve accrued several+ thousand $ annually for years. Then again if everyone paid balances in full each month, these perks likely would dry up.
Not surprised you found nothing among most readers of Humble Dollar. We are well prepared to weather such financial market uncertainties with a well diversified portfolio across the major asset categories. We are marveling a bit at the number of hair on fire investment experts which seem to emerge like clockwork after such market moves. Thank you to Jonathan Clements and others for shining some light on all this starting decades ago.
Comments
Nonsense posted on social media? You don’t say! No doubt. A few additional points to ponder. One, anyone paying attention has been hearing for years about an apparent funding shortfall under current trends, estimated now +/-20% in about six years. So early filers, perhaps many without adequate personal savings to delay, could be argued are showing rational human behavior given the situation. Two, whilst the number of benefit filings may be up in recent years, perhaps some or much of this may be attributed to natural and expected demographics as the baby boomer wave continues to age into their 60s?
Post: Americans are rushing to collect Social Security. The reason is disturbing
Link to comment from September 13, 2026
The better question might be, Why don't more people use credit cards and pay off balances each month? Lots of reasons here but with some discipline it’s doable, and some nice financial perks any Humble Dollar reader would appreciate. We’ve accrued several+ thousand $ annually for years. Then again if everyone paid balances in full each month, these perks likely would dry up.
Post: Americans and their credit cards
Link to comment from August 29, 2026
Catherine it appears you are a good financial steward making thoughtful decisions. If this approach works well for you, stick with it.
Post: Leverage
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
Not surprised you found nothing among most readers of Humble Dollar. We are well prepared to weather such financial market uncertainties with a well diversified portfolio across the major asset categories. We are marveling a bit at the number of hair on fire investment experts which seem to emerge like clockwork after such market moves. Thank you to Jonathan Clements and others for shining some light on all this starting decades ago.
Post: Tariffs and our retirement assets
Link to comment from April 5, 2025